Nicolaas Kruik

Nicolaas Samuelszoon Kruik (Latin: Nicolaus Samuelis Cruquius; 2 December 1678 West-Vlieland – 5 February 1754 Spaarndam), also known as Nicolaes Krukius, was a Dutch surveyor, cartographer, astronomer and weather observer.

Cruquius took temperature measurements in Fahrenheit from 1706 to 1734. His historical calculations are still used today by the KNMI, the Dutch meteorological institute. He not only measured weather changes in wind speed, rainfall, air pressure, temperature, and humidity, but also measured sea level. His method of visualising planes of water level to illustrate contours of depth (isobaths) in his map of the Merwede (1730) was the first of its kind. He was an advocate of reclaiming the Haarlemmermeer, which was accomplished a century after his death and is commemorated by the Museum De Cruquius.